Today’s youth may have easy access to the technological world but now those talented in sailing will race with the latest in sailboat innovation when the Red Bull Foiling Generation international competition stops in Newport, RI this Fall for the US Qualifier and World Final.
Applications are now being accepted for the U.S. Qualifier held October 11-16, 2016 followed by the World Final on October 18 – 23, 2016 at the Sail Newport Sailing Center at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the rising generation of sailors who aspire to be at the top level of the sport of multi-hull racing and incredibly exciting to watch,” said Brad Read, Executive Director of Sail Newport. “We’re thrilled that Red Bull Foiling Generation organizers chose Newport as the only U.S. event which will fuel the marine and tourism economy in Rhode Island.”
Qualified youth sailors, born in 1996 through 1999 can apply as individuals or part of a two-person team. Those selected will first be trained by two of the most accomplished competitive sailors in the world, who are also the event’s founders. Double gold medalists, Austrians Roman Hagara and Hans Peter Steinacher, realized an opportunity for the future of high-level foiling and the need to increase the skills of today’s young sailors.
Red Bull Foiling Generation is about providing talented young sailors with the opportunity to advance their careers through high-level hydrofoil racing. These championships serve as training waters for the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, which caters to competitors ages 19-25. Both competitions train youth sailors from all over the globe on smaller versions of catamaran racers with foils, like those used in one of the world’s most famous sailing competition – America’s Cup.
The event will be sailed in 18’ Flying Phantom catamarans designed with hydrofoil technology. Hydrofoil technology amplifies speed on the boats because one hull lifts out of the water, which alleviates drag. As one hull is out of the water and “foiling”, the J-shaped foil keeps contact.
The seaside location of Fort Adams State Park in Newport Harbor is home to many sailing events and regattas because of its natural amphitheater on Narragansett Bay and legendary sailing waters. Red Bull Foiling Generation is working in partnership with US Sailing and the non-profit Sail Newport, New England’s premiere public sailing center, which will host the event.
Applications are being accepted until May 16, please visit foilinggeneration.redbull.com for details and application information. For images/video, please visit www.redbullcontentpool.com/redbullsailing